Chemist

Salary: $57,700.00 - $60,800.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 190069
Agency: Department of Public Health
Division: Health Promotion and Services
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: ED12
Position Number:: 61006564
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN10
Hiring Range - Min.: $57,700.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $60,800.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be uploaded for review but will NOT be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position or substitute for completing any section of the application. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be completed. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
Performs analyses of biological specimens for Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)defined chemical terrorism agents in support of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant program. Liaison with the CDC Division of Laboratory Services Areas which are currently performing this type of testing. Assure full documentation of methods selected and of their validation. Perform qualitive and quantitative chemical analyses of and experiments with inorganic and organic substances.


Performs high complexity analysis of clinical specimens for exposure to chemical threat agents in support of the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement. Performs quantitative chemical analysis and interprets highly complex and varied analytical chemistry procedures for inorganic and organic substances. Conducts specimen preparation and analytical procedures for the detection and monitoring of trace levels of chemical agents associated with, but not limited to chemical terrorism and incidental exposures. Chemical threats include, but are not limited to blistering agents, cyanide, heavy metals, nerve agents, ricin, and Lewisite. Performs analytical procedures using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), and/or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).
Develop, validate, and implement CDC approved chemical toxic agent methods in the areas of chemical terrorism and biomonitoring/biosurveillance. Perform scientific mathematical calculations, prepare reports, and effectively communicate data/results to colleagues and stakeholders. Strictly adhere to and maintain Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols and all safety regulations. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and equipment. Learn and utilize LIMS and other software used by the Public Health Laboratory. Work closely with senior chemists on method selection, development, and improvement projects. Maintain a clean lab and work environment. Monitor supply inventories and expendables. Periodically attend meetings, trainings, and conferences related to work.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers. A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry and three (3) years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry. Experience using GC/MSD, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS; or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with a minimum of sixteen (16) academic credits in chemistry and five (5) years of relevant work experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in Mass Spectrometry. Experience using GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS. Ability to train personnel, work extended hours/weekends/holidays during emergency situations and exercises, make visual observations of specimens, reports, etc. Must be able to follow and adhere to all safety protocols. Ability to bend, climb, and stoop in order to work on laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications


A Master's Degree in Chemistry with at least one (1) year of experience working with analytical instrumentation and equipment including one or more of the following: LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, and/or HRMS with emphasis on analytical chemistry. A PhD in Chemistry. A strong background in Mass Spectrometry (MS), method development, separation science, instrument software, coding, and computers is highly desired. Preference given to those with toxicology and clinical analytical chemistry experience. Ability to perform public speaking. Experience with HRMS highly desired.

Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.


DRIVING RECORD : If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience?

• Yes
• No

05


Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience?

• No relevant experience.
• 1 - 2 Years.
• 3 - 5 Years.
• 5+ Years.
• Other

06


Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)?

• Yes
• No

07


Would you be willing to accept a salary within the hiring range of $57,700 - $68,800?

• Yes
• No

08


Please describe your experience working with analytical instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS, GC/MSD, ICP-MS, or HRMS. Include the type of instruments you've used and the types of analyses you've performed. If you do not have any experience, please type "N/A" below.
09


Briefly describe your experience with Method Development. If you do not have any experience, please type "N/A" below.
10


Do you possess working knowledge of public health policies and procedures, including grant writing and budget preparation?

• Yes
• No

11


In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DPH employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. Will you be able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

12


Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

13


Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

14


If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

15


How did you hear about this position?

• State NEOGOV Website (jobs.sc.gov)
• LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
• Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
• College Job Board
• Job Fair
• External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
• Other

Required Question